Handles double-teams well and adjusts to make plays in space. Does a solid job stuffing the run. A legit nose tackle, with the raw power and bulk to anchor a 3-4 alignment. Pretty mobile for a man his size (so can also play inside in a 4-3).

Flaws:

Has a history of problems with both off-field trouble and conditioning. Must show he has the commitment and intensity level to star in the NFL. Injuries are also a factor here.

Career Potential:

Excellent interior lineman, when healthy.

Movements & Injuries

2014

11/14/2014

Knee injury, injured reserve.

10/31/2014

Knee injury, out.

10/24/2014

Knee injury, out.

10/15/2014

Knee injury, out.

10/08/2014

Knee injury, out.

5/02/2014

Cleveland Browns exercised their contract option for the 2015 season.

2013

12/27/2013

Concussion, out.

1/04/2013

Fined $7,875 by the NFL.

2012

11/02/2012

Activated from the physically unable to perform list (chest injury).

8/27/2012

Chest injury, physically unable to perform.

2011

9/28/2011

Fined $7,500 by the NFL.

8/02/2011

Signed by the Cleveland Browns to a four-year contract.

Career Transactions

2011

4/28/2011

Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 1st round (21st Overall) in 2011.

Player News

Browns exercise NT Phil Taylor's 2015 option | 05/02/2014 11:34 AM

News

Browns exercised NT Phil Taylor's fifth-year club option for 2015.

Mary Kay Cabot on Twitter

Phil Taylor hopes Browns pick up his option | 04/24/2014 11:35 AM

News

NT Phil Taylor is unsure if the Browns will pick up his fifth-year option.

Akron Beacon-Journal

Impact

If the Browns don't pick up Taylor's $5.5 million option by May 3, he'll be an unrestricted free agent in 2015. It's an interesting decision for the new Mike Pettine regime. Taylor has started 37 games over the last three seasons, showing well as a run stuffer last year but coming off the field on pass downs. The former first-round pick's value will depend on how Pettine uses him in the hybrid 3-4 scheme.

Taylor appeared in 15 games in 2013 and played just 555 defensive snaps, good for 32nd among defensive tackles and nose tackles across the league. He exited the field on sure passing downs and recorded just 26 tackles and two sacks. However, Taylor was stout against the run. New coach Mike Pettine runs a multiple-front defense. Taylor should see increased snaps in 2014.

Desmond Bryant will be the right end, and Ahtyba Rubin will play left end. We'd seen some previous speculation about Rubin potentially playing nose tackle, but he's slimmed down and will play left end on base downs before kicking inside in sub-packages. Cleveland suddenly boasts a very talented defensive front.

Browns to use Phil Taylor at nose | 02/03/2013 11:14 PM

News

The Browns expect Phil Taylor to be the nose tackle in their new 3-4 defense.

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Impact

It may seem obvious, but fellow 330-plus-pound defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin had a case to play nose, as well. Rubin will likely be a mammoth "five technique" in the Red Bryant mold. Taylor, 25 in April, came off PUP in Week 9 this past season to close strong, grading out positively as a run defender per Pro Football Focus' ratings. Taylor was also a 3-4 nose tackle at Baylor.